75 results on '"Bangkok"'
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2. Shifting informalities: Motorcycle taxis, ride-hailing apps, and urban mobility in Bangkok.
- Author
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Sopranzetti, Claudio
- Subjects
RIDESHARING services ,MOTORCYCLISTS ,MOTORCYCLES ,MOTORCYCLING ,TAXICABS ,URBAN planners ,MOBILE apps - Abstract
• Critical engagements with informality often erase its tactical uses by local actors. • Ride-sharing apps are creating new forms of informality in the transportation sector. • Bangkok motorcycle taxi drivers are using the label of informality to fight ride-sharing apps. This article reconstructs the shifting uses of local concepts of "informality" (nǭk rabop) over the last 35 years in the streets of Bangkok, with a particular attention to the birth of the motorcycle taxi business in the 1980s, its development after the 1997 economic crisis, and its transformation since the arrival of ride-hailing apps in 2016. Based on more than 10 years of qualitative and quantitative research with motorcycle taxi drivers, state officials, city planners and everyday users in Bangkok, this archaeology of informality expand on contemporary theorizations of informality as a logic of planning, a heuristic device, and a practice. I do so by focusing on the highly relational, contingent, and ultimately contested nature of informality, the role of non-state actors in shaping it and, the performative power of informality as a categorical label. In this sense, I propose a double conceptualization of informality: on one side as an ever-shifting relationship between established and codified practices (whether regarding land, labor, property rights, or everyday actions), a governmental and legal system, and people who control and interact with these practices; on the other, as a label, often deployed tactically by actors trying to make sense and make do with the world around them. In this duality between a shifting set of relationships and an almost intuitive and referential label that allow for categorical assessments resides, I show, the central efficacy of "informality" as a concept good to think with, to govern with, and to resist with. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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3. Urban treescapes as everyday workplaces and knowledge battlegrounds: Lessons from Bangkok, Thailand.
- Author
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Lai, Chieh-Ming
- Subjects
ASPIRATORS ,TREE care ,TACIT knowledge ,URBAN trees ,TREE climbing ,INFORMATION sharing - Abstract
Urban greening expertise and programs are pursued and circulated globally to enhance urban livability and sustainability, but the outcomes are often mixed and are accompanied by side effects. Drawing on the concept of "worlding," this paper examines the processes and outcomes of a training program that introduced tree climbing techniques from overseas to reduce the aggressive pruning practices by the municipal workforce in Bangkok, Thailand. Steered by Thai civil society organizations (CSOs) and international arborists, the training program was supported by the city government and local forestry experts. However, the outcomes were limited. A variety of temporal, logistical, and place-specific factors (including traffic, weather, size and accessibility of trees), constrained the applicability of the introduced techniques for pruning street trees in Bangkok. These crucial urban contextual factors were neglected in the training program design due to knowledge conflicts between the "civic experts" and "lay practitioners," which undermined the potential of the training program. Illustrating urban treescapes as everyday workplaces and knowledge battlegrounds, this paper argues that aspirations for world-leading expertise might hamper the expression of tacit knowledge that stems from and coordinates with a specific urban context. The conclusion highlights the importance of inclusivity to achieve successful transnational circulation of greening expertise and broader urban transformative attempts involving global knowledge exchange. • Everyday urban tree maintenance can be impacted by global knowledge circulation. • Misalignments of priorities and emphases undermine outcomes of urban tree programs. • Tree care practices require tacit knowledge emerging from specific urban context. • Inclusivity is pivotal for integrating global greening expertise with local know-how. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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4. Re-thinking new possibilities for urban climate resilience planning in Bangkok: Introducing adaptation pathways through a multidisciplinary design workshop.
- Author
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Nilubon, Polpat and Laeni, Naim
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URBAN climatology ,PHYSIOLOGICAL adaptation ,FLOOD risk ,URBAN growth ,URBAN planning ,DESIGN services - Abstract
In many cities in developing countries, the design and implementation of flood adaptation measures face planning challenges, they are often underdeveloped in practice. This paper aims to investigate the potential for urban flood adaptation solutions and design in practice within the context of a climate-vulnerable Southeast Asian city. We specifically explore the "design workshop" -- an essential process providing valuable experience and conditions for effective climate adaptation in Bangkok. As part of our research, the workshop was organized to introduce and experiment the implication of adaptation pathway approach with designers, urban planners, and decision-makers. Findings reveal that the design workshop provided a collaborative environment, offers transformative space for formulating integrated and context-specific flood adaptation solutions - new possibilities for urban climate resilience in the making. The application of the adaptation pathways facilitates a concrete, quantifiable, and time-bound design process for identifying and sequencing potential flood adaptation measures in Bangkok. Consequently, this paper concludes that multidisciplinary and collaborative processes, along with the introduction of adaptation pathways, stimulating urban flood adaptation planning and implementation in a more collaborative and participative way. However, it is important to note that the feasibility assessment of the proposed solutions still requires essential conditions such as policy synchronization, technical skills, and local resources. To effectively realize these strategies in real-world urban planning practice, this research suggests that local governments should consider implementing a multidisciplinary design process in urban development and flood risk management. • There are opportunities for assessing co-benefits of adaptation measures at the local level. • The flood resilience planning should incorporate real-time data to identify long-term adaptation strategies. • The local government should invite a stimulating design approach along with experimentation of various adaptive measures. • Multidisciplinary approaches are essential for successful flood resilience planning in Bangkok. • The Adaptation Pathways helps to demonstrate the possibilities for long-term perspectives in Flood Risk Management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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5. Exploring the possibility of MaaS service in Thailand, implications from the existing conditions and experts' opinions on "Who should be the MaaS provider in Bangkok?".
- Author
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Narupiti, Sorawit
- Abstract
Mobility-as-a-Service or MaaS is the emerging transport solution that services a package of mobility to customers. MaaS aims to give a new travel experience to travelers, in terms of access to the services and seamless trips on one single platform. The organization of MaaS requires a new player, a MaaS provider, who mediates the travelers (customers) and transport services. The MaaS provider takes the roles of data provider, integrator, and MaaS operator. In many pilot and implementation of MaaS schemes around the world, the MaaS providers come from various stakeholders and employ various business models. MaaS providers are crucial in that they lead the cooperation among all stakeholders and are the driving force of the services. In Bangkok, Thailand, where MaaS is a relatively new concept, the identification of a suitable MaaS provider was explored. Taking the local transport conditions, both demand and service conditions, scenarios of probable MaaS providers were investigated. The study method included literature reviews and collection of present transport setting, including the organizational arrangement. Expert interview and focus group meeting were used to form a concrete understanding and to imply the possibility of the MaaS provider in Bangkok. Three scenarios of Maas providers were set: public transport service provider, private transport service provider and third party, and Public Private Partnership. The results disclose issues that need to be resolved if the stakeholder would serve as the MaaS provider. Several implications are drawn to set the directions of MaaS development and a possible MaaS provider in Bangkok. • Attempts are made to identify a suitable MaaS provider, as MaaS is not widely known and few available stakeholders can be identified • Three scenarios of a MaaS provider emerge from the analyses: public transport operator, private transport operator, and third party. • The current travel conditions show that the level of digital service provision and level of integration is low. • Regulations must be revised so that [ 1–18 ] MaaS provider can manage data sharing, service integration, and incentives to customers and service providers. • It is likely that the MaaS service will be offered from a subset of private transport services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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6. Is Bangkok becoming more resilient to flooding? A framing analysis of Bangkok's flood resilience policy combining insights from both insiders and outsiders.
- Author
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Laeni, Naim, van den Brink, Margo, and Arts, Jos
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FLOOD control , *FLOOD risk , *POOR communities , *FLOODS , *SOCIAL impact , *SOCIAL problems - Abstract
The rapidly urbanizing cities in Southeast Asia experience increasing flood impacts due to the consequences of climate change. In these cities, policy efforts to build flood resilience are gaining momentum. The aim of this paper is to understand and assess flood resilience policy development, particularly in cities in developing countries. Bangkok is one of the cities that participates in the 100 Resilient Cities Programme (100RC) - the international policy platform for building resilient cities. In 2017, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) launched the 'Bangkok Resilience Strategy' to translate the resilience concept to its urban context. A framing perspective is adopted to reconstruct the strategy, process and anticipated outcome of Bangkok's flood resilience policy. We studied data obtained from 'insiders' (involved policy makers, experts and consultants) and 'outsiders' (local communities, civil society organizations and news media). Findings indicate that the economic growth frame is prevailing in the development of Bangkok's flood resilience policy, prioritizing structural flood protection with little attention for flood adaptation measures and related social impacts among vulnerable communities. The role of local communities and civil society in the formulation of Bangkok's flood resilience policy is limited. This paper therefore recommends cities in developing countries and cities in the 100RC Programme to organize a more inclusive resilience building process for addressing social problems regarding urban poor communities along with increasing flood safety and protection. • Strategy, process and outcome are key aspects of flood resilience building. • The formulation of Bangkok's flood resilience policy mainly involved 'insiders'. • The Bangkok Resilience Strategy prioritizes safeguarding economic growth. • Structural flood protection is persistent despite attempts to adopt new strategies. • To achieve flood resilient cities, 'outsiders' need to be involved and empowered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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7. A system dynamics modeling to evaluate flooding impacts on municipal solid waste management services.
- Author
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Phonphoton, Nuchcha and Pharino, Chanathip
- Subjects
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SOLID waste management , *SYSTEM dynamics , *WASTE management , *NATURAL disasters , *SUSTAINABLE design , *DESIGN management - Abstract
• SD model is applied to evaluate flood impacts and help priority on MSWM zoning. • Flood impact on MSWM system not only within but also surrounding flood areas. • Waste collection and transfer process are differently disrupted by flood impact. • MSWM is a prototype to apply SD model for other complex utility service systems. • Preventive measures are developed to apply in flooding vulnerable areas. The municipal solid waste management service system has been one of the most important service provisions in the city. Complex linkages within the system are impacted by waste quantities and qualities. Due to the complex characteristic of stock and flow in a waste management system, it is difficult to design a sustainable management system that can handle varying conditions, particularly in case of a disaster. Interferences from the natural disaster i.e. flooding could potentially affect the entire MSWM system. Flooding is a major disaster in many regions of the world and poses a challenge as an external disturbance to any part of the waste management system. This research has applied the concept of system dynamics (SD) to understand patterns and evaluate flood impacts on the waste management systems of 22 districts that transport waste to the Nongkhaem transfer station in Bangkok, Thailand. The SD model of waste management illustrates waste generation trends and collection and transfer patterns to predict potential flood-affected areas. The research analyzed different flooding hazard scenarios and evaluated potential impacts within flood-prone areas. The results proved that flooding has various degree of impacts on the accumulated waste amounts of services areas within and outside the flooded areas. The findings can be a guideline to help prepare an appropriate mitigation plan for waste management under flood conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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8. Paratransit as a connective mode for mass transit systems in Asian developing cities: Case of Bangkok in the era of ride-hailing services.
- Author
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Phun, Veng Kheang, Kato, Hironori, and Chalermpong, Saksith
- Subjects
- *
RIDESHARING services , *PUBLIC transit , *PARATRANSIT services - Abstract
Abstract Paratransit services have been established to mitigate poor accessibility in Asian developing cities. However, their potential role as a connective mode for mass transit systems is often overlooked. This study verifies the hypothesis that, due to the lack of guidance or planning by the government, paratransit services have been driven by market mechanisms to concentrate in areas closer to mass transit stations and other centers of economic activity, including markets. We tested this hypothesis with a negative binomial regression using data on motorcycle taxi services in Bangkok, as a case study. Motorcycle taxis mostly operate as a group, known as a win in Thai, waiting for passengers at certain places, including mass transit stations. Location data on 821 wins were randomly collected from 144 grid zones (= 144 km2) through Google Maps between July 24 and August 24, 2017. Win density was defined as the number of wins in each one-square-kilometer zone. The results showed that win density increased by 4.4% and 25.1% in zones that were 1 km closer to transit stations and markets, respectively, all else being held constant; this confirmed the hypothesis. Policy implications are discussed along with the recent penetration of ride-hailing services in the paratransit market. Highlights • With little government control, paratransit is driven largely by market mechanisms. • We examined attractiveness of paratransit services in areas near transit stations. • Negative binomial regression was adopted using Bangkok's motorcycle taxi data. • Results confirmed more paratransit services in areas closer to transit stations. • Conflicts between existing services and modern ride-hailing apps are bound to arise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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9. Governing Bangkok's city food system: Engaging multi-stakeholders for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.
- Author
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Boossabong, Piyapong
- Abstract
Abstract This article aims to understand the governance of city food systems in Bangkok by drawing attention to: the participatory aspect of Bangkok's city food governance; the food production that emerges from the sustainable growth and inclusive nature of this governance system; and civil society's use of this as an activism able to empower communities and for such movements to be smart in bridging territorial divisions, by way local government strategies, secured through capacity-building exercises. The multitude of stakeholders involved in governing Bangkok's food system is not just inter-related, but also linked and connected from top-to-bottom. These stakeholders include central and local governments, large food corporations, civil society organizations and even the daily life practices of street food venders and mobile markets. As a result, the article suggests, the governance of the city food agenda in Bangkok is both empowered and participatory, because organizations from the top and the middle are unable to sustain the development of food systems without including ordinary people in the actions taken to create them. This suggests legal frameworks, plans and related infrastructure development, are insufficient for Bangkok be smart in sustaining the development of cities food systems. As while the public sector facilitates food production and distribution through the regionalization process (including the conservation of the peri-urban agriculture, irrigation systems development, and central fresh food markets establishment), the smart city food agenda still requires operations from below to sustain such technical innovations. Highlights • The participatory aspect of Bangkok's city food governance. • The food production that emerges from the sustainable growth and inclusive nature of this governance system. • Civil society's use of this as an activism able to empower communities and for such movements to be smart in bridging territorial divisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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10. Cutaneous sporotrichosis in a stray cat from Thailand.
- Author
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Duangkaew, Lerpen, Yurayart, Chompoonek, Limsivilai, Orawan, Chen, Charles, and Kasorndorkbua, Chaiyan
- Abstract
Abstract This is a case report of feline sporotrichosis in a 3-year-old male intact DSH stray cat in Bangkok, Thailand. Cytology and histopathology revealed Sporothrix yeast-like organisms in ulcerative cutaneous lesions. Fungal culture and sequence analysis of ITS region of rDNA confirmed the diagnosis and the causative agent as Sporothrix schenckii. This is the first case report of feline sporotrichosis in the country. The case report emphasizes the role of stray cats as this zoonotic disease carrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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11. Effects of ambient air pollution on daily hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Author
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Phosri, Arthit, Ueda, Kayo, Phung, Vera Ling Hui, Tawatsupa, Benjawan, Honda, Akiko, and Takano, Hirohisa
- Abstract
Abstract Background Although health effects of air pollutants are well documented in many countries especially in North America and Western Europe, few studies have been conducted in Thailand where pollution mix, weather conditions, and demographic characteristics are different. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of ambient air pollution on hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in Bangkok, Thailand. Methods We obtained daily air pollution concentration (O 3 , NO 2 , SO 2 , PM 10 , and CO) and weather variable monitored in Bangkok from January 2006 to December 2014. Daily hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases were obtained from the National Health Security Office during the study period. A time-series analysis with generalized linear model was used to examine the effects of air pollution on hospital admissions by controlling for long-term trend and other potential confounders. The effect modification by age (0–14 years, 15–64 years, ≥65 years) and gender was also examined. Results An increase of 10 μg/m3 in O 3 , NO 2 , SO 2 , PM 10 , and 1 mg/m3 in CO at lag 0–1 day was associated with a 0.14% (95% CI: −0.34 to 0.63), 1.28% (0.87 to 1.69), 8.42% (6.16 to 10.74), 1.04% (0.68 to 1.41) and 6.69% (4.33 to 9.11) increase in cardiovascular admission, respectively; and 0.69% (95% CI: 0.18 to 1.21), 1.42% (0.98 to 1.85), 4.49% (2.22 to 6.80), 1.18% (0.79 to 1.57) and 7.69% (5.20 to 10.23) increase in respiratory admission, respectively. The elderly (≥65 years) seemed to be the most susceptible group to the effect of air pollution, whereas the effect estimate for male and female was not significantly different. Conclusions Results from this study contributed the evidence to support the effects of air pollution (O 3 , NO 2 , SO 2 , PM 10 , and CO) on hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, which might be useful for public health intervention in Thailand. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Ambient air pollution was associated with increased risk of hospital admission in Bangkok. • Effect of air pollution on pneumonia, COPD, asthma, IHD, and MI admission was found. • Elderly is the most susceptible group to the effect of air pollution on respiratory admission. • First study to examine the effects of CO and NO 2 on hospital admission in Thailand • NO 2 had consistent effects on cardiovascular and respiratory hospital admission in Bangkok. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2019
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12. Linear tourism, multiculturalism, creative district: The case of Charoenkrung creative district in Thailand.
- Author
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Rugkhapan, Napong Tao
- Abstract
The paper examines the relationship between tourism and the creative district, a connection often assumed but undertheorized. While conventional wisdom appears to be that creative districts promote tourism, this paper shows that the reverse can also be true. In the case of the Charoenkrung Creative District in Bangkok, tourism has been deployed as a top-down initiative to popularize and publicize the district. This paper examines how walking tours—a particular kind of linear tourism—are used to weave disparate sites into a singular narrative that frames Charoenkrung as a multicultural district with much creative potential. In particular, it sheds light on the role of the tour guide in charting this entangled narrative of multiculturalism and creativity. • The paper highlights two biases in carto-tourism research, map centrism and site centrism by foregrounding linear tourism. • Linear tourism fulfills the twofold goals of tightening the sites and the narrative. • Linear tourism can be used to both uphold and challenge the status quo. • Beyond the binaries of host/home, tourist/object, the role of intermediaries are crucial in cementing the spatial narrative [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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13. Urban carbon mapping: Towards a standardized framework.
- Author
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Sharifi, Ayyoob, Wu, Yihan, Khamchiangta, Dararat, Yoshida, Takahiro, and Yamagata, Yoshiki
- Abstract
Abstract Cities are responsible for a large share of global energy consumption and CO 2 emissions. Significant reduction of urban energy consumption and CO 2 emissions is essential for meeting the ambitious climate stabilization targets. This hinges on having adequate understanding of the patterns and trends of emissions. It is essential to create datasets of cities emissions and utilize mapping techniques to inform planners and decision makers about the dynamics of urban carbon emissions. Due to the openness of cities and issues related to availability and accessibility of urban energy consumption data, this is a challenging task. It is critical to develop consistent methods for mapping emissions. Such methods and frameworks should enable cities to map their emissions with minimum data requirements. They should also be applicable to different cities across the world. As a preliminary effort, this study introduces a framework for synthesizing building and transport energy consumption data with the Local Climate Zones (LCZs) classification system. Drawing on preliminary results from applying the framework to Bangkok, Shanghai, and Tokyo, we explain how this approach can provide opportunities for standardizing urban carbon accounting. The paper concludes with suggestions for improving granularity and accuracy of emissions accounting. The concept of Local Energy Zones (LEZs) is introduced and is suggested to be used as a potentially suitable concept for analysing CO 2 emissions dynamics of cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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14. The dynamics of norovirus genotypes and genetic analysis of a novel recombinant GII.P12-GII.3 among infants and children in Bangkok, Thailand between 2014 and 2016.
- Author
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Boonchan, Michittra, Guntapong, Ratigorn, Sripirom, Napas, Ruchusatsawat, Kriangsak, Singchai, Phakapun, Rungnobhakhun, Pimpha, Tacharoenmuang, Ratana, Mizushima, Hiroto, Tatsumi, Masashi, Takeda, Naokazu, Sangkitporn, Somchai, Mekmullica, Jutarat, and Motomura, Kazushi
- Subjects
- *
NOROVIRUS diseases , *GASTROENTERITIS , *GENETIC recombination , *GENOTYPES , *JUVENILE diseases , *GENETICS , *VIRUSES - Abstract
Norovirus (NoV) is the leading cause of viral acute gastroenteritis among all age groups in the world. We performed a molecular epidemiological study of the NoVs prevalent in Bangkok between November 2014 and July 2016 to investigate the emergence of new NoV variants in Thailand. A total of 332 stool specimens were collected from hospitalized pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis in Bangkok, Thailand. NoVs were detected by real-time PCR. The genome of the N-terminal/shell domain was amplified, the nucleotide sequence was determined, and phylogenetic analyses were performed. GII NoV was detected in 58 (17.5%) of the 332 specimens. GII.17, a genotype strain prevalent from 2014 to mid-2015, was hardly detected and replaced by the GII.3 genotype strain. Entire genome sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis of the GII.3 genotype strains indicated that they are new recombinant viruses, because the genome encoding ORF1 is derived from a GII.12 genotype strain, whereas that encoding ORF2-3 is from a GII.3 genotype strain. The putative recombination breakpoints with the highest statistical significance were located around the border of 3D pol and ORF2. The change in the prevalent strain of NoV seems to be linked to the emergence of new forms of recombinant viruses. These findings suggested that the swapping of the structural and non-structural proteins of NoV is a common mechanism by which new epidemic variants are generated in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2018
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15. Tourist attractions in Bangkok and Singapore; linking vandalism and setting characteristics.
- Author
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Bhati, Abhishek and Pearce, Philip
- Subjects
TOURIST attractions ,VANDALISM ,PROPERTY damage ,COMPARATIVE studies ,TOURISM research - Abstract
The study adopts an exacting observational approach to vandalism and its site determinants in two pivotal Asian cities, Bangkok and Singapore. The study served three goals: to develop and evaluate an observational approach to auditing the damage to tourist attractions; to link the setting characteristics to the indicators of damage; and to explore the applicability of Western constructs of vandalism and control to these Asian settings. A cluster analysis identified five kinds of sites which differed systematically in levels of disrepair and the factors influencing that damage. Sites with higher and lower levels of vandalism appeared in both cities. Powerful factors limiting damage were identified. The western site determinants for vandalism applied to the Asian settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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16. Development of an Appropriate Model for Forecasting Municipal Solid Waste Generation in Bangkok.
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Sun, Nayseang and Chungpaibulpatana, Supachart
- Abstract
Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a result of human activities. Accurate forecasting of MSW generation is crucial for sustainable management systems and planning. MSW is considered as an important resource for renewable energy development plans of cities. Due to the uncertainties and unavailability of sufficient MSW generation information in developing countries, including the difference of local conditions, various modeling methods were developed to predict MSW generation. The objectives of this paper are to identify influential variables that affect the amount of MSW generation and to predict the future MSW in Bangkok by employing linear and nonlinear models. The major factors of MSW in these two models are accounted by number of residents, people aged 15-59 years, number of households, income per household, and number of tourists. In the linear model, principal component analysis is capable to reduce multi-collinearity factors. This leads to the improvement of the performance of regression by a stepwise algorithm with R 2 =0.86. In the nonlinear model, artificial neural network (ANN) is conducted by designing an appropriate network architecture in the Matlab tool. This approach with one neuron demand in hidden layer exhibits the fitting value of R 2 =0.96, which is better than linear regression model. In these regards, the designed network in ANN is possibly stored for further analysis under the same conditions for high percentage of accuracy. All the results in this research can be utilized as part of solid plans for renewable energy development and eco-environmental recycle industry which require MSW as raw material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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17. Conflicts over streets: The eviction of Bangkok street vendors.
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Boonjubun, Chaitawat
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STREET vendors , *PEDESTRIANS , *PUBLIC policy (Law) , *SOCIAL conflict - Abstract
In 2014, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) introduced the ‘Reclaiming pavements for pedestrians’ plan. This plan, appealing to the Act on Maintaining Public Cleanliness and Public Order, promised to bring ‘safety and orderliness’ to the city, and its implementation led to the removal of street vendors. This article investigates the goals, practices, and effects of the street clean-up plan in Bangkok's old town and shows the ironic consequences of the plan: the streets became less safe. By analysing the vendors' rights, interests, and strategies for coping with the eviction that affected their livelihood, this article focuses on street vendors' survival strategies and analyses various forms of conflicts over streets: the vendors versus city authorities, among the vendors, and the vendors versus powerful gangsters, and discusses the mediation of these conflicts by a senior Buddhist monk who spoke on behalf of street vendors in negotiations with city authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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18. Inhalation exposure and health risk levels to BTEX and carbonyl compounds of traffic policeman working in the inner city of Bangkok, Thailand.
- Author
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Kanjanasiranont, Navaporn, Prueksasit, Tassanee, and Morknoy, Daisy
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AIR pollutants , *AROMATIC compounds , *RISK assessment , *ACETALDEHYDE , *TRAFFIC police , *CANCER risk factors , *HEALTH - Abstract
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) and carbonyl compounds (CCs) are recognized traffic-related air pollutants in urban environments and are the focus of this study. In Bangkok, the BTEX and CC concentrations in both ambient air and personal exposure samples were studied during two periods (April–May and August–September 2014) at four different sampling sites around the Pathumwan District (three intersections and one T-junction). Traffic policemen, representing the high-exposure group for these toxic air pollutants, were observed, and the health risk to these workers was evaluated. Toluene was the predominant aromatic compound in the ambient and personal exposure samples. The maximum average ambient concentration of BTEX was 2968.96 μg/m 3 . Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were the most abundant CCs at all of the sampling sites, with the greatest mean concentrations of these substances being 21.50 μg/m 3 and 64.82 μg/m 3 , respectively. In the personal exposure samples, the highest levels of BTEX, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde concentrations were 2231.85 μg/m 3 , 10.61 μg/m 3 , and 16.03 μg/m 3 , respectively. In terms of risk assessment, benzene posed the greatest cancer risk (at the 95% CI), followed by toluene, acetaldehyde and formaldehyde (1.15E-02, 5.14E-03, 2.84E-04, and 2.52E-04, respectively). Three risk factors were investigated to reduce the total cancer risk levels: reducing the chemical concentration, exposure time and exposure duration. The use of a mask (chemical concentration) was the best way to reduce the risk to traffic police. However, the risk value of benzene (average 1.57E-05) was still higher than an acceptable value when using a mask. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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19. Cutaneous blastomycosis and dermatophytic pseudomycetoma in a Persian cat from Bangkok, Thailand.
- Author
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Duangkaew, Lerpen, Larsuprom, Lawan, Kasondorkbua, Chaiyan, Chen, Charles, and Chindamporn, Ariya
- Abstract
This is a case report of concurrent of blastomycosis and pseudomycetoma in a 3 year-old Persian cat from Bangkok, Thailand. Histopathology from antemortem and postmortem samples revealed blastomycosis and dermatophyte pseudomycetoma. The PCR analysis of the formalin-embedded tissue of antemortem sample confirmed that blastomycosis was caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis. Dermatophyte infection was caused by Microsporum canis . According to the author's knowledge, this is the first case of Blastomyces dermatitidis and dermatophyte pseudomycetoma in South-East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
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20. UHI and Thermal Performance of Office Buildings in Bangkok.
- Author
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Takkanon, Pattaranan
- Subjects
URBAN heat islands ,URBANIZATION & the environment ,OFFICE building energy consumption ,COOLING degree days ,CITIES & towns & the environment - Abstract
Urbanization has an impact on thermal environment of Bangkok. Besides receiving a great deal of solar radiation like other hot-humid cities, the effect of urban heat island (UHI) further adds to discomfort as well as increases the cooling loads of buildings in Bangkok. In order to keep building occupants thermally comfortable, most buildings in Bangkok rely primarily on air-conditioning systems which consume enormous amount of energy. Office buildings, in particular, are the major energy consumers of the city. Therefore, it is important to study the impact of UHI on thermal performance of office buildings and find ways to improve their conditions. Moreover, UHI intensity (UHII) in each area is influenced by local height-to-width ratio (H/W ratio). In order to study UHII of areas representing different densities and H/W ratios and their effect on thermal performance of office buildings, the research is divided into 2 parts. The first part is aimed to investigate UHII in relation to H/W ratio of medium and high density areas. The second part is aimed to investigate thermal performance of office buildings in such areas. Results from field measurement including indoor and outdoor air temperatures, surface temperatures and mean radiant temperatures (MRT) were analyzed along with energy consumption and cooling degree hours (CDH). Results show that H/W ratio has an influence on UHII. However, it is not always the case that higher H/W ratios yield higher UHI intensities. UHI intensities from the medium-density area with low H/W ratios tend to be higher than those from the high-density area with high H/W ratio as the maximum UHII difference between the two areas is 2.57 K. Even though energy consumption of each building does not show a direct relationship with UHII and H/W ratio due to incomparable building sizes, operational time, energy management, and design factors, the increase of CDH tends to follow the increase of UHI intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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21. Obstacles to the creation of successful bus rapid transit systems: The case of Bangkok.
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Wu, Irene and Pojani, Dorina
- Abstract
Bangkok has failed in the implementation of its BRT system. The single line in operation since 2010 stretches only 15 km and transports merely 15,000 passengers daily. This article examines the reasons why Bangkok has (so far) been unable to implement a full BRT system, unlike many counterparts in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, which have similar financial constraints. The authors' position is that there is as much to learn from failure as from success. BRT issues are placed in the broader context of urban transport problems in Bangkok. The study indicates that the Bangkok BRT project was curtailed due to a combination of reasons, which confirm the findings of prior studies on BRT planning and implementation worldwide. The crucial issues in this case were the weak and discontinued political leadership and the failure to manage competing modes, the primary of which is the automobile. Nonetheless, creating a however limited BRT system was not a loss for Bangkok and extension plans could always be resumed in the future. Should another attempt be made at creating an integrated and large-scale BRT system, local planners and leaders who care about the city's sustainable future must avoid repeating past mistakes and falling into past behavioral patterns. While this article focuses on a single case study, the findings apply to a number of cities in similar geo-political and economic contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. Community engagement initiative amid climate change crisis: Empirical evidence from a survey across Bangkok Metropolis of Thailand.
- Author
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Leknoi, Unruan, Yiengthaisong, Annop, and Likitlersuang, Suched
- Subjects
- *
GREENHOUSE gas mitigation , *MIDDLE-income countries , *CLIMATE change , *METROPOLIS , *MUNICIPAL government , *COMMUNITIES ,PARIS Agreement (2016) - Abstract
According to the Paris Agreement on climate change regulations and Sustainable Development Goal 13, Low Carbon City, a community-based action, shall be widely used to encourage the transformation of cities by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from daily life. However, the concept of Low Carbon City requires community engagement from inhabitants, but building community engagement remains a considerable challenge, especially in low- to middle-income countries worldwide. Bangkok is one of the megacities vulnerable to climate change. This study focuses on analyzing the factors affecting the community engagement initiative to transform Bangkok into a low-carbon city. The study used a quantitative research technique with a sample size of 2000. The results reveal that 11 factors influence the success of the community engagement initiative in the transition to a low-carbon city. These critical factors include the salience on climate change, experience with climate change threats, significance of climate change, response of government officers to climate change, negative or positive emotion toward climate change, trust in the community and the municipal administration, and community affiliation, solidarity, and participation. Additionally, based on the stepwise multiple regression, statistical models were proposed to explain how the critical factors affecting community engagement transform Bangkok into a low-carbon city. • A community engagement initiative in the transition to a low-carbon city was illustrated. • A quantitative research technique with a large sample size in Bangkok was used. • A model to explain how the factors affecting community engagement was proposed. • A social policy to drive megacity to become a low-carbon metropolis was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. Bangkok living: Encountering others in a gated urban field.
- Author
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Wissink, Bart and Hazelzet, Arjan
- Subjects
- *
CITIES & towns , *URBAN planning , *INCOME inequality , *POOR people - Abstract
This paper reflects on the social effects of gated living in Bangkok. Income inequalities in this little-researched Thai capital are among the highest in the world, while income groups live highly segregated and often behind walls and gates. According to one dominant criticism, this ‘enclave urbanism’ prevents intergroup encounters, thus undermining mutual understanding and solidarity. This view seems consistent with recent observations that prejudices between income groups in Bangkok are high. Reporting on research on the social networks of Bangkok's various resident groups, we reflect on the role of the city's gated urban structure in this polarization. We conclude that social networks in poor neighborhoods are close-knit while neighborhood contacts in high-income areas are sparse. We also conclude that encounters between different income groups do take place, with exception of the super-rich. And while our research does not show negative attitudes towards others in general, it does indicate a potentially problematic stigmatization of low-income neighborhoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. The flood of 2011 in the lower Chao Phraya valley, Thailand: Study of a long-duration flood through satellite images.
- Author
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Liew, Soo Chin, Gupta, Avijit, Chia, Aik Song, and Ang, Wu Chye
- Subjects
- *
FLOODS , *REMOTE-sensing images , *FLOOD control , *RIVER channels - Abstract
The paper illustrates application of satellite images for studying the anatomy of a long-duration, extensive, and slow flood on the Chao Phraya River in 2011 that inundated Bangkok in its lower reach. The spread of floods in the valley was mapped with MODIS, month by month, from July 2011 to February 2012. A subsampled WorldView-2 mosaic was used to observe part of the valley in detail. The flood in Bangkok was studied with four higher-resolution images from Spot 4, WorldView-2, and GeoEye-1 satellites. We suspect that the floodwaters jumped the banks of the Chao Phraya south of Chai Nat, and then travelled overland and along river channels. The overland passage made it difficult to protect settlements. We also studied sedimentation from the images of this shallow overland flow across the country, which was complicated by the presence of preexisting embankments, other anthropogenic structures, and smaller stream channels. This is a descriptive study but it highlights the nature of flooding that is likely to be repeated in this low flat valley from high rainfall. The pattern of flooding was similar to that of a previous large flood in 1996 recorded in a SPOT 2 image. These floods impact Bangkok periodically, a city of about 10 million people, which started on a levee in a low flat delta, then expanded into backswamps, and is marked with local depressions from groundwater extraction. These slow extensive floods can be mapped from satellite images and properly recorded as an early step in analysis of large floods. Mapping of such floods on ground is logistically impossible. Slow, extensive, and long-lasting floods affect lower valleys and deltas of a number of major rivers, impacting agricultural fields and large populations. These floods are especially disastrous for cities located on low deltas. We submit that basic exercises on satellite images provide valuable introductory information for understanding geomorphology of such floods, and also for structuring plans for flood amelioration. Satellite images at very high resolutions, also used in this study, provide complimentary data to mapping and ground observation. Basin environments that are inundated by large shallow extensive floods are not unusual. In future, climate change is expected to raise the frequency of floods in lower parts of a number of river valleys and deltas, so that for such an environment slow extensive floods may become common and need to be studied. In that sense this is a template for studying large slow floods, arguably more frequent in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Effects of day-of-week trends and vehicle types on PM2.5-bounded carbonaceous compositions.
- Author
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Pongpiachan, Siwatt, Kositanont, Charnwit, Palakun, Jittree, Liu, Suixin, Ho, Kin Fai, and Cao, Junji
- Subjects
- *
PARTICULATE matter , *AUTOCORRELATION (Statistics) , *CARBON compounds , *PRINCIPAL components analysis , *ATMOSPHERIC composition , *CITIES & towns & the environment - Abstract
Carbonaceous compositions of PM 2.5 were measured in the heart of Bangkok from 17th November 2010 to 19th January 2012, and a data set of 94 samples was constructed. Effects of day-of-week trends and vehicle types on PM 2.5 -bound TC, OC, and EC were carefully investigated. In this study, OC was the most important contributor to the total PM 2.5 mass concentration. The average PM 2.5 -bound OC content measured at CHAOS (18.8 ± 9.18 μg m − 3 ) was approximately 11 times higher than at Chaumont, Switzerland (1.7 μg m − 3 ), but approximately five times lower than at Xi'an, China (93.0 μg m − 3 ). The application of diagnostic binary ratios of OC/EC and estimations of secondary organic carbon (SOC) coupled with autocorrelation plots (Box and Jenkins) highlight the enhanced impacts of traffic emissions, especially from diesel vehicles, on PM 2.5 -bound carbonaceous compositions on weekdays relative to weekends. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) coupled with principal component analysis (PCA) underline the importance of diesel emissions as the primary contributors of carbonaceous aerosols, particularly during weekdays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
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26. Comparing the direct human impact of natural disasters for two cases in 2011: The Christchurch earthquake and the Bangkok flood.
- Author
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Noy, Ilan
- Abstract
The standard way in which disaster damages are measured involves examining separately the number of fatalities, of injuries, of people otherwise affected, and the financial damage that natural disasters cause. Here, we implement a novel way to aggregate these separate measures of disaster impact and apply it to two catastrophic events from 2011: the Christchurch (New Zealand) earthquakes and the Greater Bangkok (Thailand) flood. This new measure, which is similar to the World Health Organization’s calculation of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) lost due to the burden of diseases and injuries, is described in detail in Noy [7] . It allows us to conclude that New Zealand lost 180 thousand lifeyears as a result of the 2011 events, and Thailand lost 2644 thousand lifeyears. In per capita terms, the loss is similar, with both countries losing about 15 days per person due to the 2011 catastrophic events in these two countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Prospecting for groundwater discharge in the canals of Bangkok via natural radon and thoron.
- Author
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Chanyotha, Supitcha, Kranrod, Chutima, Burnett, William C., Lane-Smith, Derek, and Simko, Jesse
- Subjects
- *
GROUNDWATER , *RADON , *WATER seepage , *THORON , *HYDROLOGY - Abstract
Summary We conducted surveys of several canals in Bangkok, Thailand using continuous measurements of naturally occurring 222 Rn (“radon”) and 220 Rn (“thoron”). Shallow groundwater seeping into these canals is an important pathway for contamination of surface waters. Radon, with a half-life (3.82 days) shorter than the suspected flushing time of the canals, is widely distributed throughout the waterway. It can thus be used to estimate discharge via a mass balance approach but cannot specify precisely where the discharge is occurring. Thoron, on the other hand, with its rapid decay (56 s half-life) will only occur very close to points of entry. Thus, if one detects thoron in the environment, there must be a source nearby – a good ‘prospecting’ tool. We found thoron spikes in Klong Bangkok Noi during a survey in August 2009. We repeated the same survey route in June 2013 and found essentially the same pattern of high thoron peaks (indicating points of discharge) adjacent to several temples along the canal. The connection to temples is thought to be a consequence of these structures being built on relatively higher ground and having sandy substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Challenges for adapting Bangkok’s flood management systems to climate change.
- Author
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Saito, Norio
- Abstract
This paper explores challenges for adapting urban areas to climate change by analyzing urban flood management systems in Bangkok, Thailand. The paper first identifies a set of common integrated urban flood management measures. Then it analyzes whether such measures are being practiced in Bangkok with considerations to climate change. While the analysis reveals that most identified measures are already being practiced, none of the measures have explicitly taken climate change into account in the design of the interventions. Moreover, a number of measures are being implemented as stand-alone interventions without considering implications to flood management. This is because there is no systematic coordination among departments in the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The current practice emphasizes structural options such as heightening flood walls and strengthening drainage and pumping capacity, but reducing flood risks under uncertainty requires putting more non-structural options in place that are compatible with structural options. Although measures that BMA should take to make the ongoing interventions more effective and climate-resilient can generally be incremental to what is being practiced, institutional arrangements to achieve such objectives will require a transformational change. The paper describes specific areas and steps as to how relevant departments can strengthen collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Characterization of black carbon at roadside sites and along vehicle roadways in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region.
- Author
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Hung, Nguyen Tri Quang, Lee, Seung-Bok, Hang, Nguyen Thanh, Kongpran, Jira, Kim Oanh, Nguyen Thi, Shim, Shang-Gyoo, and Bae, Gwi-Nam
- Subjects
- *
SOOT , *METROPOLITAN areas , *AIR pollution , *PARTICLE size distribution , *AIR quality , *POLLUTION monitoring ,ENVIRONMENTAL aspects ,ENVIRONMENTAL conditions - Abstract
Abstract: To understand the seasonality of concentrations of traffic-related black carbon (BC) in a megacity, BC concentrations in fine particles were monitored at the roadside and on roads during both the wet and dry seasons of 2010 in the city center of Bangkok, Thailand. The BC concentration measured every 2 min by an aethalometer at the Dingdaeng roadside in the dry season was 17.9 ± 6.6 μg m−3, which was 1.6-fold higher than the value (11.5 ± 2.7 μg m−3) during the wet season. This seasonal difference could not be explained by washout by rain but was instead due to more frequent upwind conditions caused by a prevailing wind direction from the monitoring site toward the road in the wet season. When the prevailing wind direction was from the road, the average BC concentration at the roadside increased up to 30 μg m−3 during both seasons. In contrast, when the wind direction was from the site to the road, the BC concentration was reduced to the level of urban background concentrations measured inside Lumphini Park and the Dusit Zoo of Bangkok. Roadside BC concentrations were strongly correlated with NO x concentrations and elemental carbon (EC) concentrations measured in 24-h PM2.5 filter samples. Both relationships exhibited linear determination coefficients of more than 0.80, implying that NO x can be used as an indicator and an alternative for traffic-related BC at this roadside site when real-time BC monitors are not available. The average on-road BC concentration (25.5 μg m−3) was similar to the average at the roadside under downwind conditions (25.5 μg m−3) from morning to evening only. In contrast, the latter value was 1.7-fold higher than the daily average at the roadside (14.7 μg m−3) and 7.3-fold higher than the urban background level during the daytime (3.5 μg m−3). The results of this study suggest that residents who live next to major roads, pedestrians at the roadside, and drivers on the roads experience a high risk of exposure to severe levels of traffic-related air pollutants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. Assessment of the relationship between satellite AOD and ground PM10 measurement data considering synoptic meteorological patterns and Lidar data.
- Author
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Zeeshan, Muhammad and Kim Oanh, N.T.
- Subjects
- *
OPTICAL properties of atmospheric aerosols , *ARTIFICIAL satellites , *PARTICULATE matter , *LIDAR , *DATA analysis , *BIOACCUMULATION , *MODIS (Spectroradiometer) - Abstract
Abstract: Correlation between satellite aerosol optical depth (AOD) and ground monitoring particulate matter (PM) depends on the meteorology that determines PM optical properties, its dispersion, accumulation and vertical distribution. This study presents a novel approach to analyze PM–AOD relationship considering the totality of meteorological factors expressed as synoptic patterns. Meteorological observations at 07:00 Bangkok time from 9 regional meteorological stations, in dry seasons (November–April) of 11years (2000–2010), were used to categorize governing meteorology over Central Thailand into four categories representing the typical observed synoptic patterns. The MANOVA analysis showed that these patterns were statistically different. PM10 recorded at 22 air quality stations in Bangkok Metropolitan Region were examined which showed the highest levels for the days belonging to pattern 1, followed by pattern 4, both with presence of a high pressure ridge, while the minimum for pattern 2 when thermal lows dominated. Lidar aerosol backscatter profiles recorded at Pimai station were used as indicator of PM vertical distribution that showed similarity within each pattern. R2 between MODIS and Sun photometer AODs at Pimai was above 0.8. Correlation coefficients (R) between MODIS AOD and corresponding 1h PM10 for clear sky days (cloudiness≤3/10) were examined for each pattern in comparison with lump case. Significant improvements were observed for pattern 1, average R across 22 stations was 0.46 for Terra and 0.38 for Aqua AOD compared to lump case with R of 0.34 and 0.31, respectively. Comparable improvement was also observed for pattern 4. For pattern 2, R values were significantly reduced which may be caused by the deeper mixing layers and varying vertical profiles with overall low values of Lidar backscatter coefficients. Improved R values in pattern 1 and 4, which had highest PM10 in BMR, suggested a better potential of using MODIS AOD for PM10 monitoring with synoptic pattern classification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. Overview of avian influenza virus in urban feral pigeons in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Author
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Prompiram, Phirom, Sariya, Ladawan, Poltep, Kanaporn, Paungpin, Weena, Suksai, Parut, Taowan, Jarupha, Sedwisai, Poonyapat, Rattanavibul, Kamolphan, and Buranathai, Chantanee
- Subjects
- *
AVIAN influenza A virus , *PIGEONS , *VIRUS isolation , *HEMAGGLUTINATION tests , *AVIAN influenza , *ANTIBODY titer - Abstract
This survey assessed the presence of avian influenza virus (AIV) in urban feral pigeons (UFPs) in Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 485 UFPs were collected from eight study sites, and blood, tracheal, and cloacal samples were collected from each bird. Virus isolation and molecular methods did not detect AIV in any of the birds tested. A hemagglutination inhibition test was used to test for antibodies to high and low pathogenicity AIV subtypes. AIV subtype H9 antibodies were the only antibodies detected. The overall seroprevalence of AIV subtype H9 antibodies was 6.9%, and subtype H9 antibodies were found in UFPs at all eight sites. The overall geometric mean titer was 11.07 (range: 8–64). These results reveal that UFPs in Bangkok do not currently pose a risk of transmitting AIV to humans. However, monitoring of AIV in UFPs is necessary for disease control and to minimize the possibility of influenza outbreaks. • A survey was conducted of avian influenza virus in feral pigeons in Bangkok. • Blood samples were tested for avian influenza antibodies. • Cloacal and tracheal samples were tested for avian influenza virus (AIV). • Of 458 pigeons from 8 sites, 32 had low titers of the low pathogenicity H9 subtype. • None of the pigeons had evidence of active AIV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. Characterization of gaseous pollutants and PM2.5 at fixed roadsides and along vehicle traveling routes in Bangkok Metropolitan Region.
- Author
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Kim Oanh, N.T., Kongpran, J., Hang, N.T., Parkpian, P., Hung, N.T.Q., Lee, S.-B., and Bae, G.-N.
- Subjects
- *
AIR pollution , *PARTICULATE matter , *ENVIRONMENTAL exposure , *TRAFFIC flow , *AIR quality monitoring , *XYLENE , *MOTOR vehicle pollution control systems , *ATMOSPHERIC nitrogen dioxide , *METROPOLITAN areas - Abstract
Abstract: Traffic is a major source of air pollution in urban areas of developing countries that leads to high exposure risk of urban dwellers. This study comparatively investigated levels of fine particles (PM2.5), SO2, NO2, and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes) at fixed roadsides and on traveling routes in congested urban and less congested suburban areas of Bangkok in 2010. The roadside air quality monitoring was done at two opposite sites across the selected roads. The traffic counting was made simultaneously in these roads and hourly flows of 8 different vehicle types were determined. Roadside PM2.5 levels during dry season were high in both the city center and suburban area, significantly above the wet season, with 65–75% measurements exceeded 24 h Thailand ambient air quality standard of 50 μg m−3. Oppositely, roadside BTEX levels measured in the city center during wet season were higher than dry season and well above those in suburban area. Diurnal variations and the results of SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) analysis showed associations between roadside pollutants levels and hourly traffic flows. The differences in pollution levels between 2 monitoring sites across a road were explained by road configurations and prevalent wind directions. On-route pollution levels were measured simultaneously both inside and outside selected vehicles (van, pickup), and on motorcycle. The on-route PM2.5 levels along the urban route were higher during the dry season than wet season. PM2.5 levels inside the vehicles were lower than outside whereas the opposite was observed for BTEX. BTEX were higher on more congested urban sub-routes with lower vehicle speeds. Higher pollution levels suggest a high risk of exposure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. Variability in tropospheric carbon monoxide over an urban site in Southeast Asia
- Author
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Sahu, L.K., Sheel, Varun, Kajino, M., and Nedelec, P.
- Subjects
- *
ATMOSPHERIC carbon monoxide , *TROPOSPHERE , *CITIES & towns , *ATMOSPHERIC ozone measurement , *BIOMASS burning , *SIMULATION methods & models - Abstract
Abstract: This paper analyses MOZAIC (Measurements of Ozone aboard Airbus in-service airCraft) measurements of carbon monoxide (CO) profiles over Bangkok to discuss the seasonality in vertical distribution during year 2005–2006. The mixing ratios of CO were enhanced in the lower troposphere being highest in winter followed by summer and wet seasons. During all the seasons, the mixing ratio of CO decreased rapidly and remained low in the middle troposphere. At higher altitudes (6–12 km), CO shows enhanced values particularly during wet and early winter seasons. The strong seasonality in CO was caused by the seasonal shift in the patterns of the long-range transport and biomass burning (BB) in South and Southeast Asia (S–SE Asia). Flow of cleaner air and negligible BB resulted in the lowest mixing ratio of CO in the wet season. In addition to anthropogenic influence, the long-range transport and BB caused the higher CO in the winter and summer seasons, respectively. Despite extensive local BB activities in Thailand during the summer season, the moderate levels of CO were attributed to the dilution due to flow of cleaner marine from the Indian and Pacific Oceans. We have also compared the observations with the Model for Ozone And Related Chemical Tracers (MOZART) simulations. Mostly the observations lie between the MOZART-2 and MOZART-4 simulations as they underestimate and overestimate the observed CO, respectively. In the middle and upper troposphere, both the observed and simulated mixing ratios of CO during September–November of year 2006 were higher by 15–30 ppbv compared to the same period of year 2005. Our analysis indicates the impact of El Niño induced extensive BB in Indonesia during the year 2006. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Evaluation of heavy metal contents and Pb isotopic compositions in the Chao Phraya River sediments: Implication for anthropogenic inputs from urbanized areas, Bangkok
- Author
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Wijaya, Anugrah Ricky, Ouchi, Aaron Kenkichi, Tanaka, Kentaro, Cohen, Michael Dustin, Sirirattanachai, Sittipun, Shinjo, Ryuichi, and Ohde, Shigeru
- Subjects
- *
ANALYSIS of heavy metals , *LEAD analysis , *LEAD isotopes , *HEAVY metal content of river sediments , *METROPOLITAN areas , *INDUCTIVELY coupled plasma mass spectrometry - Abstract
Abstract: In order to elucidate the sources of metals in urbanized areas, heavy metal contents and Pb isotope ratios were determined in the Chao Phraya River sediments. The sediment samples were leached using 1% HNO3 and metal concentrations (Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Zn) and Pb isotopic ratios (208Pb/206Pb and 207Pb/206Pb) in the solutions were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The highest ranking of potential pollutant evaluations of Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Zn contents was found from samples that were located near to the center of Bangkok. Pb isotope ratios (208Pb/206Pb: 2.075–2.113 and 207Pb/206Pb: 0.834–0.868) in the Chao Phraya River sediments near to the center of Bangkok agreed well to those in the Bangkok road side dust and pond sediments suggesting that river sediments may be contributed from road-side dust and pond sediments. Moreover, Pb isotope ratios confirmed that the polluted sediments were contributed as Pb products of fly ashes (municipal waste combustors) in Bangkok (208Pb/206Pb: 2.100–2.120 and 207Pb/206Pb: 0.867–0.870). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. Parallel modernization and self-colonization: Urban evolution and practices in Bangkok and Tehran
- Author
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Sintusingha, Sidh and Mirgholami, Morteza
- Subjects
- *
MODERNIZATION (Social science) , *COLONIZATION , *URBAN growth , *URBAN planning , *URBAN history , *URBAN morphology , *URBAN impact analysis - Abstract
Abstract: This paper compares the urban evolution of two non-western primate capital cities, Bangkok and Tehran and the way their elites, through self-colonization, have adopted and implemented urban practices from more developed countries, perceiving them as their main path toward modernization. Urban history, morphology as well as implemented planning ideas and their impacts across the two cities are compared. The paper concludes that while these cities share many similar urban problems, their eccentricities and particularities are also important evidences of diverse, plural modernities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. A modeling study of school closure to reduce influenza transmission: A case study of an influenza A (H1N1) outbreak in a private Thai school
- Author
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Modchang, Charin, Iamsirithaworn, Sopon, Auewarakul, Prasert, and Triampo, Wannapong
- Subjects
- *
INFLUENZA transmission , *MATHEMATICAL models , *GLOBAL analysis (Mathematics) , *NUMBER theory , *EQUATIONS , *CASE studies - Abstract
Abstract: The A/H1N1 influenza pandemic has been in the spotlight since the virus was first detected in Mexico in early 2009. To prevent the repetition of the 1918 influenza pandemic, the global response to this pandemic has been strong. In Thailand and in many other countries, schools have been a major source of outbreaks, which then spreads to the general population. Understanding the dynamics of school outbreaks and the impact of disease intervention in school settings is crucial for the effective mitigation of a pandemic. Using data from outbreaks in School G, a private school in Bangkok where detailed epidemiological data were collected, we estimated the basic reproduction number to be 3.58 [95% confidence interval: 2.88 to 4.28]. We then modeled outbreaks in school settings with Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) equations and tested various interventions such as school closure and student screenings. We found that closing the school on the date with the peak number of daily incidences usually appeared to be effective in preventing further outbreaks. However, if the school was closed too early, subsequent cases would appear after reopening. With no intervention, the number of total cases reaches 83%. Individual student screenings appeared to reduce the number of total cases by up to 40%. In a situation in which the widespread outbreak of a mild disease is unavoidable and in which the goal is to slowly reach sufficient herd immunity while minimizing the number of cases, closing the school at the predicted date with the peak number of daily incidences and screening for respiratory symptoms appear to be the most appropriate intervention methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Baan Mankong participatory slum upgrading in Bangkok, Thailand: Community perceptions of outcomes and security of tenure
- Author
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Archer, Diane
- Subjects
- *
URBAN planning , *SLUMS , *LAND tenure , *COMMUNITY involvement , *HOUSING , *DEBT , *CAPITAL investments , *COMMUNITY development - Abstract
Abstract: A key problem facing slum dwellers is tenure insecurity – as well as the threat of eviction, residents are excluded from many services extended to legal residents, from water connections to public schooling. Thailand’s Baan Mankong slum upgrading program adopts a people-driven approach to resolving problems of insecure housing and poor living conditions, putting slum residents at the core of the process. This paper explores, through interviews, how residents in four Bangkok communities perceive the outcomes of upgrading, particularly their new homes and tenure situation. Participant satisfaction is key to ensuring successful scaling up of Baan Mankong, as this is done through community-driven exchange and learning-by-doing. The results show that while the respondents appreciate their new houses and improved living environment, they are wary of the resulting debt burden. While tenure is regarded as secure in the short term, the long-term situation is not so clear. Homes cannot be sold on outside the community, and therefore Baan Mankong is valued more for improving shelter and strengthening community cohesiveness, rather than as a profit-driven financial investment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Potential of decentralized wastewater management for urban development: Case of Bangkok
- Author
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Suriyachan, Chamawong, Nitivattananon, Vilas, and Amin, A.T.M. Nurul
- Subjects
- *
URBANIZATION , *WASTEWATER treatment , *DECENTRALIZATION in management , *SOCIAL support , *COST effectiveness , *SUSTAINABILITY , *LANDSCAPE irrigation , *ENVIRONMENTAL management - Abstract
Abstract: Decentralized wastewater management (DWWM) has recently gained much attention in wastewater management (WWM) due to its build-as-you-go principal. Rapid urban development and the widespread impact of wastewater require sustainable ways to test the DWWM approach. This paper aims to examine and discuss the potential of Bangkok’s current WWM approaches for urban development, focusing on decentralized management approaches. General WWM approaches were examined using case study research methods. Three WWM cases were selected for detailed investigation. Residential wastewater user surveys and expert interviews were used to support system performance findings of service providers and recipients, as well as to draw lessons learned. Results show that DWWM is economically and technically efficient, demonstrating potential for sustainable urban development (SUD) in the study area. The competitive cost found is a result of less sewer line, simple technology, and limited additional costs, while the high efficiency is a result of good operation and maintenance. Also the reclaimed water has been used for landscape irrigation of the urban greenery. Sustainability of the system lies in social value of public amenity it provides, and the urban planning implication that it could be an option for smart growth. The results also show that even in an inner urban area DWWM does not conflict with any SUD considerations. Thus, the study recommends using DWWM for new development within both public and private properties based on Bangkok’s case as part of long-term urban development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Beyond the Urban-Rural Divide: Complexities of Class, Status and Hierarchy in Bankok.
- Author
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Vorng, Sophorntavy
- Subjects
- *
SOCIAL conflict , *BUDDHISM , *SOCIAL status , *POPULAR culture & globalization ,SOCIAL aspects - Abstract
Abstract The Thai political conflict is often described in terms of an urban-rural class divide. Using an emic, ethnographic approach, I problematise this analysis by examining Bangkokian notions of class and status differentiation. These have their bases in the feudal sakdina era as well as notions of Buddhist hierarchy, and privilege cosmopolitanism, foreignness and wealth, as encapsulated by such hybrid concepts as 'inter' and 'hi-so' - both of which are adopted from the English language phrases 'international' and 'high society', respectively. Such notions cannot adequately be explained in terms of Western-centric concepts of class, yet are nevertheless shaped by Thailand's historical engagement with Western powers as well as subsequent processes of globalization. Furthermore, status appraisal in Bangkok includes nuanced distinctions of consumption, education, ethnicity, and occupation, amongst other things, while simultaneously having a situational characteristic. This compels us to examine a variety of factors beyond the urban-rural divide in the discussion of the ongoing crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Field measurement to assess the correlation between wind ventilation performance of and wind structure inside a street with an elevated structure in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Author
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Hiyama, Kyosuke, Hoshiko, Tomomi, Abe, Satoshi, Kato, Shinsuke, and Prueksasit, Tassanee
- Subjects
AUTOMOBILE emissions ,VENTILATION ,HEALTH risk assessment ,EMISSION control ,NITROGEN dioxide ,TRAFFIC flow - Abstract
Abstract: To reduce the health risk to pedestrians, urban ventilation has becomes increasingly important to reduce the concentrations of car exhaust emissions. In this study, the ventilation performance of a street in Bangkok, Thailand, was investigated by performing measurements therein. As a result, the influence of elevated structures was shown. It was also observed that the density of exhaust gas is a simple function of the wind speed and traffic volume when the wind is blowing parallel to the street. However, the ventilation efficiency varied drastically depending on the angle between the street and the wind direction when the wind direction was not stable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Time-series analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and vehicle exhaust in roadside air environment in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Author
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Hoshiko, Tomomi, Yamamoto, Kazuo, Nakajima, Fumiyuki, and Prueksasit, Tassanee
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TIME series analysis ,POLYCYCLIC aromatic hydrocarbons & the environment ,AUTOMOBILE emissions ,AIR pollution ,EMISSION control ,PHOTOELECTRICITY - Abstract
Abstract: Field monitoring was conducted in Bangkok to investigate the situation of traffic emission exposure of roadside pedestrians. From a viewpoint of actual exposure of pedestrians, short-term variations of air pollutant levels are significant, however, such data have been limited until recently. Hence, time-series data of traffic flows, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons monitored by real-time photoelectric aerosol sensors and vehicle exhaust detected as uncomfortable odor to pedestrians were obtained at very fine time resolution and their short-term peak patterns were analyzed by spectral analysis. Furthermore, conditions of the peak exposure occurrences and interrelations of those temporal variations were discussed [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Assessing the co-benefits of greenhouse gas reduction: Health benefits of particulate matter related inspection and maintenance programs in Bangkok, Thailand
- Author
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Li, Ying and Crawford-Brown, Douglas J.
- Subjects
- *
GREENHOUSE gas mitigation , *PARTICULATE matter , *AIR pollution , *HEALTH , *EMISSIONS (Air pollution) , *MOTOR vehicles , *METROPOLITAN areas , *DIESEL fuels - Abstract
Abstract: Since the 1990s, the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok has been suffering from severe ambient particulate matter (PM) pollution mainly attributable to its wide use of diesel-fueled vehicles and motorcycles with poor emission performance. While the Thai government strives to reduce emissions from transportation through enforcing policy measures, the link between specific control policies and associated health impacts is inadequately studied. This link is especially important in exploring the co-benefits of greenhouse gas emissions reductions, which often brings reduction in other pollutants such as PM. This paper quantifies the health benefits potentially achieved by the new PM-related I/M programs targeting all diesel vehicles and motorcycles in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area (BMA). The benefits are estimated by using a framework that integrates policy scenario development, exposure assessment, exposure-response assessment and economic valuation. The results indicate that the total health damage due to the year 2000 PM emissions from vehicles in the BMA was equivalent to 2.4% of Thailand''s GDP. Under the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario, total vehicular PM emissions in the BMA will increase considerably over time due to the rapid growth in vehicle population, even if the fleet average emission rates are projected to decrease over time as the result of participation of Thailand in post-Copenhagen climate change strategies. By 2015, the total health damage is estimated to increase by 2.5 times relative to the year 2000. However, control policies targeting PM emissions from automobiles, such as the PM-oriented I/M programs, could yield substantial health benefits relative to the BAU scenario, and serve as co-benefits of greenhouse gas control strategies. Despite uncertainty associated with the key assumptions used to estimate benefits, we find that with a high level confidence, the I/M programs will produce health benefits whose economic impacts considerably outweigh the expenditures on policy implementation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Detection of Babesia vogeli in stray cats of metropolitan Bangkok, Thailand
- Author
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Simking, Patcharathorn, Wongnakphet, Sirichai, Stich, Roger W., and Jittapalapong, Sathaporn
- Subjects
- *
BABESIA , *PATHOGENIC microorganisms , *DIAGNOSTIC microbiology , *VETERINARY clinical parasitology , *FERAL cats , *DIAGNOSTIC use of polymerase chain reaction , *CAT diseases , *NUCLEOTIDE sequence , *VETERINARY diagnosis - Abstract
Abstract: The combination of a rapidly growing stray animal population and the lack of animal control in Bangkok has resulted in a unique opportunity to evaluate the potential role of companion animals as sentinels and reservoirs of infectious diseases, including several of those caused by vector-borne parasites. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with the distribution of Babesia species infections among stray cats in Bangkok. Blood samples were collected from 1490 stray cats residing in 140 monasteries of 50 metropolitan districts of Bangkok, and assayed with light microscopy and PCR for evidence of Babesia spp. Pear-shaped merozoites were observed microscopically from two (0.13%) of these cats, while a nested 18S rDNA-based PCR assay detected babesial infections in 21 (1.4%) of the cats tested. The prevalence of infection was significantly different between sexes (p <0.05), and PCR-positive cats were found in 30% (15/50) of the districts surveyed. All 21 amplicon sequences were identical, and were determined to be closest to that reported for B. vogeli (98% identity). These results represent the first molecular confirmation that a Babesia sp. is enzootic among stray cat populations in Thailand, and suggest that the presence of pet companion animals could be a risk factor for exposure of stray cats to vector-borne parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Metal content variation in wastewater and biosludge from Bangkok's central wastewater treatment plants
- Author
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Chanpiwat, Penradee, Sthiannopkao, Suthipong, and Kim, Kyoung-Woong
- Subjects
- *
SEWAGE disposal plants , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis , *BIODEGRADATION , *ORGANIC compounds , *EXTRACTION (Chemistry) , *METALS - Abstract
Abstract: The objectives of this study were to determine the metal contents and their variations in influent, effluent and biosludge, and to evaluate the potential environmental impact of biosludge generated from the Bangkok, Thailand central wastewater treatment plants. The variation in influent metal content was site-specific and could be related to the economic activities of small-scale companies. An activated sludge process could remove some level of the metal content via a combination of biological and physicochemical processes. The variation in metal removal efficiencies strongly depended upon the influent wastewater characteristics and composition. Metal occurrence in biosludge was similar to the metals found in the influent. Iron was the most abundant while Cd had the lowest occurrence. A longer excess sludge operational condition and storage time may increase metal contents in biosludge due to the decomposition of biodegradable organic matter by microorganisms. According to the speciation results, the biosludge studied had a low mobility and availability index, except the RK plant biosludge. Most trace metals of interest were in the less mobile and bioavailable forms. The most mobile exchangeable and moderately mobile carbonate fractions of Cd, Mn, Ni and Zn were relatively low (5–30%). Biosludge from RK had a total Cu concentration higher than the limits, and to some extent exchangeable and carbonate fractions that were relatively high (∼40%). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Compositional characterization of PM2.5 emitted from in-use diesel vehicles
- Author
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Kim Oanh, Nguyen Thi, Thiansathit, Worrarat, Bond, Tami C., Subramanian, R., Winijkul, Ekbordin, and Paw-armart, Ittipol
- Subjects
- *
DIESEL automobiles , *DIESEL motor exhaust gas , *OPTICAL methods for pollution measurement , *DYNAMOMETER , *TRUCKS - Abstract
Abstract: In Asian developing countries diesel vehicles contribute significantly to urban air pollution. The emission factors (EF) and exhaust gas composition of these vehicles may be different from those in the US and Europe, where most emission measurements are taken. This study focuses on the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emission from in-use diesel vehicles in Bangkok, with the goal of providing EF and source profiles that are more appropriate for developing countries. The chassis dynamometer test results for 93 vehicles, including 39 light duty (LD) and 54 heavy duty (HD) of the age models between 1972 and 2005, are presented. PM EF are lower for vehicles of newer year models, consistent with the implementation of engine standards. The average PM2.5 EF of 0.23 g km−1 for LD, and 1.76 g km−1 for HD trucks and buses are generally higher than the literature reported values. Old HD trucks produce the highest PM EF of above 3 g km−1. Black carbon (BC), measured by an optical method, is well correlated with elemental carbon (EC) by TOT, but is consistently about 1.7 times higher. Between the LD and HD fleets, there is no significant difference in the fractional composition (BC, EC, OC, water soluble ions and elements) of emitted PM2.5. The composite source profile, weighted against the fleet composition and the vehicle km travelled (VKT) for the city has an average OC of 19%, EC of 47%, and sulfate of 2%, which are close to those reported for 1980s US diesel vehicles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Effects of 10% biofuel substitution on ground level ozone formation in Bangkok, Thailand
- Author
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Milt, Austin, Milano, Aaron, Garivait, Savitri, and Kamens, Richard
- Subjects
- *
BIOMASS energy , *OZONE , *PETROLEUM , *GASOHOL , *COMBUSTION , *MATHEMATICAL models , *ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring - Abstract
Abstract: The Thai Government''s search for alternatives to imported petroleum led to the consideration of mandating 10% biofuel blends (biodiesel and gasohol) by 2012. Concerns over the effects of biofuel combustion on ground level ozone formation in relation to their conventional counterparts need addressing. Ozone formation in Bangkok is explored using a trajectory box model. The model is compared against O3, NO, and NO2 time concentration data from air monitoring stations operated by the Thai Pollution Control Department. Four high ozone days in 2006 were selected for modeling. Both the traditional trajectory approach and a citywide average approach were used. The model performs well with both approaches but slightly better with the citywide average. Highly uncertain and missing data are derived within realistic bounds using a genetic algorithm optimization. It was found that 10% biofuel substitution will lead to as much as a 16 ppb peak O3 increase on these four days compared to a 48 ppb increase due to the predicted vehicle fleet size increase between 2006 and 2012. The approach also suggests that when detailed meteorological data is not available to run three dimensional airshed models, and if the air is stagnant or predominately remains over an urban area during the day, that a simple low cost trajectory analysis of O3 formation may be applicable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Conservation of Bangkok old town
- Author
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Sirisrisak, Tiamsoon
- Subjects
- *
URBAN planning , *PLANNING , *ARCHITECTURE , *URBAN growth - Abstract
Abstract: Conservation of urban heritage contributes to the quality of life of people. Unfortunately, the urban heritage tends to be set aside from city development. The growing importance of locality in recent years invokes the public participation in planning and conservation processes. The paper aims to address the issue in urban conservation through the case of Bangkok old town. The site has been designated as a conservation area with the master plan and a specific advisory board for around three decades. Though a number of palaces and religious buildings have been protected, there is still a need for recognizing the local heritage and the enhancement of public participation. The issues regarding heritage identification, standard used in conservation practices and excessive tourism development in Bangkok old town would be resolved by revisiting the master plan and improving the cooperation among stakeholders. Moreover, urban heritage should be considered as a basis for urban planning and projects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Underground sources of nutrient contamination to surface waters in Bangkok, Thailand
- Author
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Burnett, William C., Chanyotha, Supitcha, Wattayakorn, Gullaya, Taniguchi, Makoto, Umezawa, Yu, and Ishitobi, Tomotoshi
- Subjects
- *
RADON isotopes , *RADIOACTIVE tracers in hydrogeology , *GROUNDWATER flow , *NUTRIENT pollution of water , *PHOSPHORUS & the environment , *NITROGEN & the environment , *RIVER ecology - Abstract
Abstract: Radon-222 is very concentrated in groundwater relative to surface waters and thus serves as an effective groundwater discharge tracer. We observed spikes in radon data from an earlier (2004) survey of the Chao Phraya River that appeared to correspond to locations where major canals (“klongs”) enter the river. We returned in 2006 and conducted more detailed surveys along some of the main klongs on the western (Thonburi) side of the Chao Phraya to evaluate this possibility. Our results show that both radon and conductivity are enriched in some areas of the klongs with 3 apparent “end-members,” two of which are likely related to groundwater seepage. Furthermore, nutrient analyses conducted during a time-series experiment at a site of suspected high discharge (Wat Intharam, Klong Bangkok Yai) showed that dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and phosphate correlated significantly to the groundwater tracer, radon. Rough estimates of the nutrient fluxes in this area are orders of magnitude higher than those measured in coastal settings and may represent a significant fraction of the riverine flux. It thus appears very likely that seepage of shallow groundwater is an important pathway for nutrient contamination of the klongs, and thus to the river, and ultimately to the Gulf of Thailand. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. Modern energy use by the urban poor in Thailand: a study of slum households in two cities.
- Author
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Shrestha, Ram M., Kumar, S., Martin, Samuel, and Dhakal, Arjun
- Subjects
ENVIRONMENTAL engineering ,SUSTAINABLE development ,PUBLIC welfare - Abstract
Access to modern forms of energy has been recognized as a prerequisite to achieve sustainable development and overall improvement in the quality of life. In the literature, there exist very few studies that are focused on access to and use of modern forms of energy by the urban poor in developing countries. The aim of this study is to examine the energy use pattern of slum-dwellers in two cities of Thailand, Bangkok and Khon Kaen, the energy expenditures, and the key factors for the high access to electricity and other modern forms of energy. This study finds that almost 100% of the households in the slums of Bangkok and Khon Kaen have electricity connections. Also, a very high percentage of slum-dwellers (about 87% in Bangkok and 86% in Khon Kaen) use LPG for cooking. Slum-dwellers spend about 16% of their monthly income on energy in Bangkok and about 26% in Khon Kaen. Cooking energy is found to represent a relatively small share in the total household income of the slum households. The factors behind the high access of the urban poor to modern forms of energy in Thailand were the successful electrification program, price subsidies and the low monthly electricity service charge for the poor households, and reliable supply and ready availability of LPG. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Determination of fleet hourly emission and on-road vehicle emission factor using integrated monitoring and modeling approach
- Author
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Kim Oanh, N.T., Martel, M., Pongkiatkul, P., and Berkowicz, R.
- Subjects
- *
VEHICLES , *AIR quality , *EMISSIONS (Air pollution) , *POLLUTION - Abstract
Abstract: Roadside air quality and vehicle emission are important and challenging issues in urban air quality management which need to be adequately characterized. This study involves designing a monitoring program that produces suitable data to determine the on-road hourly fleet emission and emission factors of individual vehicles in a street canyon. Simultaneous hourly monitoring of roadside gaseous pollutants (both windward and leeward sides), traffic volume and speed, and wind in a busy street of Bangkok was conducted in the rainy season when traffic emission was predominant in the city. Higher pollutant concentrations often occurred at midday (11:00 to 14:00h) when higher traffic density (3700–3800vehicles h− 1, weekdays) was observed. The levels of toluene and xylenes found in this study are higher than the roadside levels reported in other Asian cities. Hourly maximum concentrations reached 258ppb for toluene, 51ppb for m,p-xylenes, 15ppb for o-xylene, 526ppb for NO x , and 10.5ppm for CO. Hourly monitoring data during the periods when the street canyon effects were pronounced were selected for determination of the fleet hourly emission and vehicle emission factors by back calculation using a street canyon model (Operational Street Pollution Model). The average fleet hourly emission at daytime of NO x (6.2kg km− 1 h− 1), CO (54kg km− 1 h− 1), toluene (2.1kg km− 1 h− 1), m,p-xylenes (0.73kg km− 1 h− 1) and o-xylene (0.27kg km− 1 h− 1) did not vary much. However, the emission rates were substantially reduced at nighttime following the traffic pattern. The obtained pollutant emission factors varied within each group of vehicles with the average values agreed reasonably with the chassis dynamometer results for NO x but somewhat higher for CO and TX. The model estimated results are, however, considered to better represent the real driving conditions in the street at the average vehicle travel speed of around 20km h− 1. A statistical sampling design is proposed to generate necessary data for the traffic emission inventory in a city. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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